The Central North Regional Police Command has rescued seven foreign nationals who were allegedly trafficked under false pretences and confined in a house at Pump-Side, a suburb of Assin Fosu in the Central Region.
The victims — two females and five males — hail from Mali, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. They were discovered during a swift police operation on Sunday, June 1, 2025, which was prompted by a tip-off.
The prime suspect, identified as Zongo Jeon-Baptiste, a 35-year-old Burkinabe national, was arrested along with seven other individuals during the operation.
Police say the victims had been lured into Ghana with promises of lucrative employment opportunities tied to QNET, an international online marketing firm.
However, upon arrival, the victims were allegedly confined and exploited, raising serious concerns about human trafficking and cybercrime activities.
Suspect in Custody, Victims Assisting Police
The Central North Regional Police Commander confirmed that the victims were rescued unharmed and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
The main suspect, Jeon-Baptiste, remains in police custody and is facing preliminary charges of human trafficking and defrauding by false pretence.
Investigators believe the operation may be part of a wider human trafficking network operating across West Africa, using fraudulent job offers to lure unsuspecting individuals into exploitative schemes.
Rising Trend in Cross-Border Trafficking and Cybercrime
This incident adds to a growing number of similar cases in Ghana, where victims — mostly from neighbouring countries — are trafficked and forced into cybercrime-related activities, including internet fraud, online marketing scams, and forced labour.
Police sources say these operations are often disguised as recruitment drives by fake agents claiming to represent multinational companies. Victims are then held against their will and manipulated under threats or false obligations.
In recent months, security agencies across the country have undertaken large-scale rescue operations, dismantling trafficking rings and freeing hundreds of victims.
The authorities believe Assin Fosu and other parts of the Central and Eastern Regions are increasingly being used as operational bases by these transnational criminal networks.
The Central North Regional Police Command has pledged to intensify its crackdown on human trafficking syndicates operating in the region.
“We are committed to breaking the backbone of these networks and ensuring that perpetrators face the full rigours of the law,” the Regional Commander stated.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals or dubious recruitment schemes.
Meanwhile, the rescued victims are being provided with shelter and counselling services in coordination with social welfare agencies and international partners.
The case is still under investigation, and further charges may be filed pending the outcome of police inquiries.
